Acceptable Collection Tube(s) or Specimen

Specimen Type: 

      Body Fluid: Sterile Container, 5 mL

      Respiratory: Sterile Container, 3 mL, Collect 3 respiratory specimens for acid-fast smears and culture in patients with clinical and chest X-ray findings compatible with tuberculosis. These 3 specimens should be collected at 8 to 24-hour intervals (24 hours when possible) and should include at least 1 first-morning specimen.

      Swab: 1 ESwab. If a bacterial culture is also required, collect a 2^nd swab for maximum sensitivity.